My job is to help you figure that out. There are no right or wrong reasons to seek out therapy. Therapy is a judgement-free space to work on the goals that you have when you are ready to do so.

Since the client-therapist relationship is such a vital part of therapy, I offer free initial consultation appointments as one way to help determine if we will work well together.

Don’t put a lot of pressure on that first meeting being perfect—or to stick with it if you don’t feel that we click. It is important that you find the help that you are looking for whether it’s with me or different therapist. I support you in whatever choice you make.

Not always. Sometimes you’ll be weary of admitting to yourself that there is a concern with which you’re struggling. Sometimes we may be addressing matters that are very uncomfortable or disturbing. I’ll support your efforts to keep pushing through this. Often these are the times when discoveries are made and leaps forward in progress are seen.

Most likely. Therapists will challenge you to think about those less-than-flattering things about yourself and are known to tell you things that you don’t want to hear. It is my job to be okay with your annoyance with me and get past your defenses, so you can begin to recognize these things for yourself.

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed along with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and address the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

A therapeutic hour (45-50 minutes) can go by in the blink of an eye, especially in the early sessions when you might be more nervous. It is a great idea to write down what you’d like to discuss and even jot down notes during sessions. It can be helpful to journal after a session about what was covered, things you want to remember, lessons you took away, and what you’d like to talk about next time.

Clear time for yourself around the session. You can let those that need to know you will be unavailable for a little while; no need to explain why. Put your phone on silent or Do Not Disturb as you would for any healthcare appointment.  If possible, take some time after your appointment to process and decompress. Even 15 – 30 minutes helps.

For teletherapy sessions, choose a space where you feel comfortable, safe to talk openly, and free of interruptions.

This may be in your home, your car, or even a private space outdoors where you won’t be overheard. Check to be sure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are working. Have a drink on hand, like water or coffee. Keep tissues handy; you never know when you might need them.

Arrange a flat surface where you can prop up your phone, laptop, or computer where it will not fall over or be wobbly during the session and cause a distraction. Be sure your device’s microphone/speaker isn’t blocked. It helps to have your device at eye level and straight so we can see and hear each other clearly. Make sure your device is charged before your session. If necessary, connect it to a charger before the session starts.

A good rule of thumb is to treat your teletherapy session time as you would if we were meeting in an office.

Rather than being about reviewing unpleasant memories from the past, the experience of therapy is more often about changing your thoughts, behaviors, and emotional experiences moving forward.  That said, we’ll do some digging on occasion. Wherever our childhood and past history falls on the spectrum from nurturing to harsh, it can have a lot to do with how we respond  to events and see the world today.

Children tend to learn what they see and hear so it would not be ethical or in their best interest to be present during your individual therapy appointment. Things they overhear could even be harmful to them. Please arrange for childcare.

Gaining insight and making lasting changes generally happens in small steps. Give yourself time to untangle and regroup in a new way. Generally, there are intervals between sessions to practice and apply the insights you are gaining.

There is no set frequency or amount of sessions, it depends on you and what you feel you need. Some issues tend to take just a few sessions, some a matter of months, and some a year or longer.

We will talk regularly and openly about where we each feel you are with your progress towards your goals; any adjustments we should make; and whether our work together is reaching its conclusion.

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.